Garden: Planting Methods. Banked and Raised Beds

Two important factors for the successful cultivation of climbing plants are the soil quality and the direction they face. In addition, the height to which they will grow must be taken into account – (1). Climbing aids are required for plants that are to grown up house walls – (2) – (3).

In the case of beans each plant requires a climbing cane. The tent method is best used for two rows of plants – (7).

The wigwam method is ideal for growing plants in troughs and tubs (6) and twigs gathered during coppicing can be used as a climbing aid for peas - (9), as can taut wire netting - (4) or a double wire mesh. Wire mesh is also useful to protect seeds and shoots from birds – (10) – (11).

Guidelines for the choosing the best conditions for perennial climbing and creeping plants are given in.

Banked and Raised Beds. Banked beds are ideal for growing vegetables in the garden. They offer the possibility of quick harvests and very high yields. The most important factors in constructing a banked bed are the correct build-up and a north-south orientation – (1) – (3). Although they require some effort to build, banked beds can be used for several years. In general, a banked bed is approximately 1.50m wide and 4m long and watered with a sprinkler hose - (3) or trickle irrigation. It is best to carry out the construction process in the autumn when the most garden debris is available. Mixed planting has proved to be particularly effective in banked and raised beds.

The raised bed is a variation of the banked bed in that it has the same composition and is, in principle, a compost heap contained by a boarded frame - (6). Any rot-resistant material is suitable and can be used instead of wooden boards (e.g. impregnated logs, wood blocks, or stone walls). In addition to the advantages of the rich bedding material, the plants also benefit from the sunshine which impinges on the side walls.

If the beds are 600-800 mm high, it is no longer necessary to bend when planting seeds, bedding plants or harvesting - (6) + (8), which makes raised beds ideal for the elderly and wheelchair users. Raised beds give increased yields when they are filled with layers of organic materials, tree stumps at the bottom, then branches, then chopped twigs up to well rotted compost.

Greenhouses. The ventilation of greenhouses should be calculated such that, when fully ventilated, the inside temperature can be held close to that outside. For this it is necessary that about 20% of the roof area consists of a ventilation strip or windows that can be opened individually. An adequate supply of fresh air must also be ensured.

Where there is insufficient natural shading from outside it may be necessary to install sun blinds in order to maintain temperate conditions during bright sunshine. Blinds can be installed on the inside or outside of the greenhouse. Although those inside are more economical, exterior blinds are more effective, particularly when there is a sufficient gap between the blinds and the glass – (10) – (11).